My Approach

What is Relational Psychotherapy?

When you first engage in therapy, you may not know exactly what it is that’s troubling you – and that’s okay. Often through the conversation that takes place, that will become clear. You may decide to seek out therapy because of stress, or because you feel anxious or depressed. Perhaps there are relationship problems, you see addictive patterns, you’re ready to examine earlier trauma or you have low self-esteem.

In therapy, there isn’t an agenda or steps to take to feel better. Your therapist is skilled in trying to understand what it’s like to be you, to have your experiences and feelings. It’s like being understood from the inside out – and that can go a long way toward how you are able to understand and respect yourself, and make good choices. It’s not complicated, but it does ask that you be honest and courageous, that you are willing to be committed and that you expect authentic and thoughtful presence from your therapist.

It’s critical to your therapist that you feel they are someone you can trust. Let’s face it – if you’re going to take the risk to be understood, you need to trust the person who offers to understand you. Another part of relational therapy involves sharing with your therapist what your relationships are like, because they tell you who you are and what you’re worth. Your self of self is also defined in part by your early relationships, so it helps if you’re willing to think about them, as well. Therapy can help you make sense of your relational patterns, which can in turn change them and your sense of self – because you’re doing so in a trustworthy relationship that focuses on who you truly are.

If you have goals for yourself, your therapist will be a support to you, although they themselves will not impose any specific goals on you. Length of therapy will differ from client to client, and your therapist is there for you whether it’s for a few weeks, or longer.

It’s important in relational psychotherapy that your therapist knows how you are experiencing the therapy relationship. Feel free to ask any questions about how the process works and how you can bet work together.